Large Coronal Hole Facing Earth

A big, dark hole (dark blue, center) in the sun's atmosphere, called a “coronal hole”, is turning toward Earth and spewing solar wind. Coronal holes are places where the sun's magnetic field opens up and allows the solar wind to escape. Solar wind flowing from this region should reach Earth on June 5-7, 2012, possibly stirring geomagnetic storms. High latitude sky-watchers should be alert for auroras. The is a composite image taken by the Solar Dynamic Observatory in 211, 193 and 171 wavelengths of extreme ultraviolet light. Credit: NASA/SDO/AIA